Emergency day and night signaling device



Nov. 30, 1948. M. DWIYER EMERGENCY DAY AND NIGHT SIGNALING DEVICE Filed July 21, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR MART/N Owrm ATTORNE Nov. 30, 1948.

M. DWYER EMERGENCY DAY AND NIGHT SIGNALING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 21. 1945 [NVENTOR MART/IV Dpwsn I W TTORNEYS Patented Nov.- 3t), 1948 Martin Dwyei', Hewlett Harbor, Longlllan 7 Applfoatlon July 21, ms. Serial No. oocsi:

1 This invention relates to signalling devices and more particularly to smoke and pyrotechnic devices adapted to be carried in emergency lift rafts,

boats or the like and which may be used in the daytime to produce signalling smoke, or at night to produce signalling light. The invention is a continuation-in-part of my copending applica- "tions, Serial No.48'1,261, filed May 1'1, 1943, now Patent No. 2,448,521, and serial'No; 565,672, filed November 29, 1944, I l

Increasing air transport over large bodies of water has made it extremely important that all crews operating suchrtransports have in their emergency life rafts day'and night-time signalling devices capable of expelling large volumes of colored smoke or light-emitting composition. The same situation exists with respect toships and lifeboats.

One of the principal requirements of such de vices or signals is that they remain absolutely watertight and moistureproof until they aretised, irrespective of the weather conditions and other environment to which they are exposed prior to such use, because the-ignitible contents of the devices must be dry or else theycannot be used eflectively. ii at all.

Where separate day and nightsignals are supplied, frequently the particularly useful one of the signals is lost or otherwise unavailable just when it is most needed. A principal object of the invention is to provide a single signalling unit 8 Claims. (Cl. 102-373) Another object is the provision of signalling devices, each of which is a completely independent entity. so that the loss of one or more will have no'ei'fect whatsoever on the abilityto use those remaining. ,7

Still a furtherobi'ect of this invention is to provide novel positive means for igniting the desired one of the signalling means associated with the device.

To the accomplishment of'the foregoing and such other objects as may hereafter appear,

this invention consists in the novel construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter to be de- In the drawing, in which similar reference v embodying both daytime and nighttime signalling units so that the proper one of the two always is available for use. while the other acts as a handle.

Another of the principal features of the invention relates to novel container constructions for such devices that are of extremely rugged construction, that are absolutely water and moistureproof, i. e., hermetically sealed, and that are capable of keeping the ignitible contents dry even under the severest conditions so that the devices may be used whenever required in an emergency.

Another object of the invention is to produce devices of this character that will be comparatively simple in construction, cheap and easy to assemble;

Another object of the invention is to provide devices of the character described that will be self-contained, each including everything necessaryfor its operation in an emergency and which may be put into use without requiring any tools.

Another. principal object is to provide devices which may be safely held in hand by the user during use without requiring any handle whatsoever.

scribed and then sought to. be defined in the. appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming a part hereof and which shows, merely for the purposes of illustrative disclosure, preferred embodiments of the invention, it being expressly understood, however,

that various changes maybe made in practice within the scope of the appended claims without digressing from the inventive idea.

characters denote corresponding parts.

Fig. 1 is an isometric view partially of one form of my device.

Fig. 2 is a full end view of the device of Fig. l, the view being the same for-either'end; and

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 arejrespective sectional elevations of modified inner container construction that may replacethat shown in Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawing and first to Fig. 1, ll denotes an external casing or container of metal or other suitable material. In the embodiment shown, this casing is of cylindrical form but it may be of any desired form; Its walls may be smoothas shown or have the configuration of my flrst aforementioned application. A member or spacer I I of substantially cup-like form and prefcut away 'erably of metal is admeasured to flt within the lower end of the container ID. The bottom porpresently described. l

A cover member I preferably of metal is provided for the member II. This cover member is admeasured to fit within the upper portion vi lb of said member H adjoining on the shoulder lie assesses edges iof the member if; and of the container to are beaded over together very securely to provide an annular sealing bead or rib 08. This head is very secure and is made moisture and leak-proof in any well-known manner; as by the use of solder or the like.

The cover member it has a comparatively large opening l defined by a shoulder iBa that is normally sealed by a removable tear strip or member I! also preferably of metal which is secured about said opening in well-known manner as by soldering or the like. This tear strip II, while removable, effectively and completely seals the opening l6 against moisture, water and gas until it is removed. A ring it) or other equivalent means is attached to the tear strip I! to facilitate removal of the latter by the userwithout tools. It is merely necessary for the user to grasp the ring [8 and pull off the tear strip II to expose the opening I6.

The bottom of the container optionally is covered by a removable cardboard cap Z or the like which is readily removed before use the ring l8.

The entireinner wall of the container or casing l0 may be coated with an insulating lining of lacquer or the like that may be applied either by spraying. dipping or in any other suitable manner. This lining preferably has heat-insulating properties.

An inner container iii of metal or other suitable material for holding a smoke-producing compound 0 to be presently described is provided. This container l9 has smaller diameter to expose than that of the external casing I0 so that a substantial air space 20 may be provided between the walls of the two containers Ill and IS. The wall of container i9 is completely imperforate as is that of container iii so that the air in space 20 serves as an effective heat insulator. An insulating liner of cardboard or the like could replace the air space. Any heat insulating medium could be used. Thus, the container ill may be safely and comfortably held without danger by the user while the compound C in container I8 is burning.

A cover 22 preferably of metal is provided for the lower end of the container is. This cover has a central opening 23 and a plurality of additional openings 26 arranged about the opening 23 to provide for the escape of the smoke and gases of combustion of the compound C within the container i9 outwardly through said cover. The cover 22 is fitted reentrantly within the bottom of the container [9 and its edge headed over with the lower edge of said container at 25. The reduced portion Ila of the cup-like member or spacer ii is admeasured to fit within this cover 22 and thereby serves to center the lower end of inner container IS with respect to outer container iii.

The inner container is is provided with an in-.- sulating lining similar to that of container or casing ill and is filled with the suitable smoke compound 0 which is capable of producing large volumes of smoke when burned that will be visible as a cloud even in a high wind. The constituents of this smoke compound include' a dye for coloring the smoke as desired, a burning agent to produce the smoke and fuel so that a sustained volume of smoke will be produced when the compound is ignited. Any of the commercially known satisfactory smoke-producing compounds may be utilized.

The smoke compound may, for example, coii sist of a mixture of:

- These percentages may be varied because of variations in the character of the chemicals.

The sucrose may be a good commercial grade of confectioners XXXX sugar, the polarization of which is not less than 99.9% sucrose. It shall be of such fineness that 100% shall pass a 100 mesh sieve and not more than 20% shall be retained on a 200 mesh sieve.

The potassium chlorate used in the device is preferably at least 99% pure with not more than .5% moisture. It should pass 100% through a 100 mesh screen.

A dye is H. V. Orange B which is a naphthaleneazo-dimethylaniline, paranitrobenzene azo-B- naphthol coupling. H

The graphite should be of the same order of fineness and purity as the sucrose and potassium chlorate.

A fuse 21. extends through the compound 0 and terminates in igniter assembly 28 that has elements which will serve to light the fuse 21. This igniter assembly 28 has a cap member 28 carrying an igniting compound similar to that in safety matches. A pull wire extends through the cap member 29 and the igniting compound. This wire is crimped at 80c and crimped and coated at 30b with match-striking compound. The end 800 of this wire extends through the tear strip i1, its outer end being soldered at 80:1 to said tear strip in such a way as to seal the open ing in the tear strip i1 through which the end has been passed in the assembling of the device. The portion 30a of the wire being crimped does not slip and prevents accidental contact between the coated portion 30b and the igniter compound in cap 29. Since the end of wire 30 is attached directly to the tear strip l1, removal of the tear strip II will automatically cause the striker porition 30b to fire the igniter compound in cap 29 and fire the fuse 21. The fuse 21 is secured against withdrawal by the cross pin 32 around which the fuse is looped. This pin is preferably of soft-drawn copper wire or hard aluminum wire or the like. A quick match Si is attachedsuitably to the fuse 21. This match is of standard manufacture and preferably is free of sodium nitrate NaNO3. It serves to flash fire the compound C.

Spaced-apart washers 33 of paper or other desirable material lie at the top of the compound C and serve to retain it in container is and to protect the fuse 21. A similar washer 34 of paper or the like underlying the compound 0 is provided; K

A top mo preferably of metal is provided for the container l9, being reentrant at 19c and attached at iQd to said container as by beading or the like to insure a leak-proof seal.

A spacer 35 overlies the top i9b. This spacer preferably is of a plastic composition and has a reduced portion 35a that fits within the reentrant portion I90. The main body of the spacer has a diameter equal approximately to the inner diameter of container [0 and serves as an insulator for purposes presently to be described.

- A flare container 40, preferably o i' metal, is suspended from the upper rim of container it. The bottom of the container 45 restsupon the spacer 35. This container 40 has asmaller diameter than the inner diameter of the outer container i providing the air space 4| which functions similarly to air space 20. A' liner or flare tube 42 is fittedwithinthe container 40 resting on a' bottom liner 43 of paper or the like and terminating short 01' the upper edge of the container 40. Preferably. the liner tube M is of fiber stock but other materials can be substituted. The tube 42 is filled with a pyrotechnic mix M which is designed to provide a brilliant light visible over long distances at night. Any suitable such mix may be provided. and, for example, may comprise Percentages v by weight Potassium chlorate--. 15 Anhydrous strontium nitrate 45 Magnesium powder (Grade A coated) 21 Hexachlorbenzene 12 Gilsonite 'I Weight per charge, approximately 25 grams. Because of variations in the chemicals the formula may be modified in order to obtain the dey positioned to lie clear of the igniter composition I sired brilliance or burning time.

The top of the mix M is covered with first fire mix N which, for example, may consist of approximately 1 gram of a mixture in percentages by weight of Percent Potassium nitrate 52.75 Antimony trisulphide 21.98 Sulphur 13.19 "A" dust 8.79 Dextrine 3.29

A" dust is a fine dust (200 mesh size) of black powder. Because of variations in chemicals, formula may be modified in order to obtain the desired speed of ignition.

The quick or first flre mix N and the top of tube 42 are covered by a disk 43' preferably of tissue paper. The disc 43' has a central perforation.

A top support 44 is fitted within the container at its upper end. This support 44 has an annular flange 45 that rests upon and retains the liner 42 within the container 40. A second annular flange 48 of this support has approximately the diameter of the container 40. A tongue 41 integral withthe flange 45 extends'upwardly at an angle therefrom. This tongue receives and supports an igniter cup 48 whose mouth is directed toward the quick fire mix N. This cup contains a suitable friction ignlter composition I of any well-known type, for example, that used on the heads of so-called safety matches.

A pull wire 49 extends through the mix and the head of the cup 45. This wire has a crimped uncoated portion 49a and an additional crimped portion 49b at one end coated with the conventional scratch mix necessary'to fire the composition I by friction. The coated portion 49b is and in the support 44 so that accidental striking cannot occur. The uncrimped portion 49c of the wire 49 extends through the top of the cup 45 for a purpose to be presentedly described. 7

A top cover 50 for the outer container is pro- Vided. This cover is beaded over together with the upper edges of container l0 and container 40 to form an annular head 5! that provides a hermetical seal. The cover 50 has a large central opening defined by an upstanding rim 52. This opening is sealed normally by a tear strip 53 which is secured to said rim 52 about the opening in well-known manner as by soldering or the like. This tear strip. while removable, efi'ectively and completely seals the opening defined by rim 52 against moisture, water and gas until removed. A ring [it or other equivalent means is attached to the tear strip 53 to facilitate the removal of the latter by the user without tools. It ismerely necessary to grasp the-ring 54 and pulloff the tear strip 53 to break the seal. y

- The portion 490 of the wire 49 is extended through a-small opening in the tear strip and soldered over this opening at 55 to secure it to said tear strip and to seal the said opening. Thus, when the seal is broken and the tear strip is pulled away from the cover, the pull wire 49 is pulled with it drawing its crimped coated portion 49b through the igniting compound I, thereby lighting the latter and starting theburning of mixes N and M to produce the signal light. It is to be noted that the uncoated crimped portion 69a, must first be drawn through the compound I. This prevents accidental striking 'of the compound I, if the tear strip should accidentally become separated from the cover 50' as by falling. In such event, the strip will not be pulled away from the cover sufflciently to draw the coated crimped portion 4% through the igniter I. The uncoated crimped portion 49a will provide sumcient resistance to such movement of the pull wire 49 and thus avoid the danger of accidental ignition of the igniter I. During combustion of the latter, the entire device may be held safely by the.user who grasps the container ill. The air space insulations '4i! and 25 and the spacer 35. prevent undue heating of the container Ill and permit comfortable safe holding of the device in the user's hand.

' Ii instead of the light flare, it is desired to use the smoke signal, the tear strip I1 is stripped from the cover l5 and pulled away therefrom, thereby automatically drawing striker wire 30 and striking the igniter compound in cap 28 to light the fuse 21, the quick match 3| and the smoke-burning compound 0. The container I0 may be safely grasped by the user during combustion of the compound C whose smoke escapes voluminously through openings 24 and I5. The air space 25 provides safe heat insulation for the outer container ill. Also, -the plastic spacer 35 prevents the heat of combustion of compound 0 from fusing the flare mixes M or N.

5 may be independently used under the appropriate operating conditions eliminating the necessity for carrying separate types of signals for day and night use, and also reducing the necessary storage space for such devices.

The inner containers i9 and 40 may be replaced by somewhat modified constructions if desired. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the

' spacer 55 is eliminated and the closed bottom 40a of the container 45' is formed as a threaded socket 40!: covered or surrounded by a suitable insulation lining tile of porcelain, plaster-or. other heat insulation medium. Likewise the top lBa oi the container i9 is formed as a threaded plug member lilb that may be screwed into the socket 6012. This plug likewise is filled with heat insulating lining I90 similar to lining 600. These joined containers l9 and 60' are filled with the same contents as respective inner containers is and t and carried in an outer container identical with outer container i0. Operation is the same.

In Fig. 4, the abutting closed ends Q00 and I911 of containers and 19" are joined together by spot welding or the like at 59. Both are lined with suitable heat insulation material similar to that of material I90 and tile. These Joined containers i9" and are likewise filled with the same contents as respective inner containers i9 and t0 and are carried in an outer container identical with outer container ill. Operation is the same.

If desired, the separate containers l9 and may be replaced by asingle unit 60 separated by a partition 6! into compartments IS' and 60" which correspond otherwise with the containers i9 and 40. The opposite sides of the partition are lined with insulating material l9e and tile similar to that of material liic and Mia. The two compartments 19" and 30" are likewise filled with the same contents as the respective inner containers l9 and 50 and are carried in an outer container like that of container l0. Operation is the same.

While specific embodiments have been described, it will be under stood that changes within the scope of the claims is contemplated. There is no intention of limitation to the exact details shown and described.

What is claimed is:

1. In a device of the character described, an outer container, an inner imperforate container for smoke-producing compound or the like, means for exposing and simultaneously igniting the smoke-producing compound through one end of said outer container, a second imperforate inner container within said outer container for flareproducing compound, means for heat insulating the contents of the two inner containers from each other, and means for exposing and simultaneously igniting said flare-producing compound through the other end of said outer container.

2. In a device of the character described, an outer'container, an inner imperforate container for smoke-producing compound or the like, means for exposing and simultaneously igniting the smoke-producing compound through one end of said outer container, a second imperforate inner container within said outer container for flareproducing compound, said two inner containers being arranged end to end'and each having an open end facing toward opposite ends oi the outer container, means for spacing and heat in-' sulating the two inner containers from each other, and means for exposing and simultaneously igniting said flare-producing compound through the other end of said outer container.

3. In a device of the character described, an outer container, an inner imperiorate container for smok'eproducing compound or the like. means for exposing and simultaneously igniting the smoke-producing compound through one end of said outer container, a second imperforate inner container within said outer container for flareproducing compound, means for exposing and simultaneously igniting said flare-producing coma pouad tthrough the other end of said outer container, threaded means for Joining the two inner containers, and means for heat insulating the contents of said inner containers from each other. 4. In a device of the character described, an

outer container, an inner imperiorate container container within said outer container for flare- I producing compound, means for exposing and simultaneously igniting said flare-producing compound through the other end of said outer container, means for Joining the two inner containers, and means for heat insulating the contents of said inner containers from each other. I

5. In a device of the character described, an outer container, an inner imperiorate container for smoke-producing compound or the like, means for exposing and simultaneously igniting the smoke-producing compound through one end of said outer container, 9. second imperforate inner containcr within said outer container for flareproducing compound, means for exposing and simultaneously igniting said flare-producing compound through the other end of said outer container, spot-welded means for joining the two inner containers, and means for heat insulating the contents of said inner containers from each other.

6. In a device of the character described, an outer container, an inner imperforate container for smoke-producing compound having a closed end and an open end, the latter facing an end of said outer container, a second inner imperforate container for flare-producing compound also having a closed end and an open end facing the opposite end of the outer container, means for joining the two closed ends of the inner containers, means for heat insulating the contents of the two inner containers from each other, closure means for the opposite ends of the outer container for hermetically sealing its ontents, a tear strip for each closuremeans, and means connected to each tear strip for simultaneously igniting the contents of that inner container exposed by the removal of the respective tear strip.

7. In a device of the character described, an outer container, an imperf-orate inner container for smoke-producing compound or the like, a second imperforate innercontainer for flare-producing compound or the like, means for spacing and heat insulating the inner containers from each other, means for heat insulating the inner containers from the outer container, a covering member for each end of the outer container for hermetically sealing the contents of the respective inner containers within said outer containers, independent means removable respectively from each covering member, and means in conjunction with each oi said last-named means to automatically ignite the contents of that inner container exposed upon removal of the respective independent means.

8. In a device of the character described, an outer container, an imperiorate inner container for smoke-producing compound or the like, a covering member for one end of the outer container, means for centering said inner container within the outer container so as to provide a uniform air space between the side walls of the inner and outer containers, a second imperforate open-ended inner, container for receiving flare-producing compound or the like aligned with said firstnamed inner container, means for spacing and heat insulating the two inner containers from strips, one for each covering member, and ignitin means in conjunction with each tear strip andsecured thereto automatically to ignite the contents of that inner container exposed upon removal of the respective one of the tear strips.

MARTIN DWYER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record'in the file of this patent:

Nuniber Number I at UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Miller etal; July 23,1918 Holt Nov. 30, 1920 Wanklyn Fish. 8, 1921 Hitt June 25,1935 Erce Aug. 29, 1939 LeComte Sept. 7, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date France May 24, 1922 

